The UK government is making significant updates to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant schemes that support the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charge points at homes and workplaces. These changes aim to simplify the grant system, making it easier for businesses and households to access the right support while promoting sustainable transport.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s changing, key dates to remember, and how these updates might affect you.
Final Year for Current Grant Schemes: 2026/27
The 2026/27 financial year will be the last for the current OZEV home and workplace charge point grants. While some grants are being extended for a final year with updated rates, others will close by 31 March 2026.
Grants Extended Until 31 March 2027:
- Home Charge Point Grants:
- Flats & Renters grant
- Residential Landlord charge point grant
- Households with On-Street Parking grant
- Workplace Charge Point Grants:
- Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
- Workplace Charging Scheme for State-Funded Education Institutions
Grants Closing on 31 March 2026:
- Staff & Fleets grant
- Residential Landlord infrastructure grant
- Commercial Landlord charge point grant
Changes to Grant Rates from 1 April 2026
To support the transition, the government is adjusting grant rates:
- Home and Workplace Grants (except education institutions):
Maximum grant rate increases from £350 to £500 per socket. - Workplace Charging Scheme for State-Funded Education Institutions:
Grant rate decreases from £2,500 to £2,000 per socket.
These changes reflect a balance between encouraging EV infrastructure and managing public funds effectively.
Simplifying Access with a New Digital Platform
From 1 April 2026, the Flats & Renters and Residential Landlord charge point grants will move to the government’s new Find a Grant platform. This change will:
- Allow customers to apply directly for grants without needing installers to send links.
- Require customers to register for a Find a Grant account.
- Provide grant terms and conditions directly to both customers and installers upon successful application.
Installers will still need OZEV authorization to participate but will submit claims via digital forms rather than a portal. While there won’t be a centralized claims management portal, installers will receive email notifications about claim statuses.
Key Dates to Remember
- 31 March 2026: Last date for customers to apply for closing grants (Staff & Fleets, Residential Landlord infrastructure, Commercial Landlord).
- 26 May 2026: Last date for installers to claim these grants.
- 6 July 2026: Final date for installers to resubmit claims if requested (unless an earlier deadline applies).
- 1 April 2026: Launch of the new Find a Grant platform for Flats & Renters and Residential Landlord grants.
New Evidencing Requirements
Starting immediately, new evidencing requirements apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme for State-Funded Education Institutions to ensure consistency and accountability. Additional evidencing updates for other schemes are under consideration and will be communicated in due course.
What This Means for You
- For Homeowners and Renters: Increased grant support up to £500 per socket makes installing EV charge points more affordable, especially for those in flats or with on-street parking.
- For Businesses and Workplaces: Higher grant rates simplify budgeting for EV infrastructure, supporting the transition to zero-emission fleets and staff vehicles. Have a look at our EV charging course: EV Car Charging – Hampshire Training & Assessments
- For Education Institutions: While the grant rate is reduced, existing applications retain the higher rate if vouchers are redeemed by September 2026, ensuring planned funding is secured.
Staying Informed and Prepared
These changes reflect the UK government’s commitment to accelerating EV adoption while streamlining support systems. To make the most of these grants:
- Plan installations and applications ahead of key deadlines.
- Register on the new Find a Grant platform if you’re applying for Flats & Renters or Residential Landlord grants.
- Keep detailed records and be prepared for new evidencing requirements.
For more detailed information, including FAQs and official guidance, please refer to the OZEV press notice and the government’s Find a Grant service.
Together, these updates pave the way for a cleaner, greener future by making EV charging infrastructure more accessible and efficient. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating the new system, don’t hesitate to reach out to OZEV or your installer.
